About Karmen

Karmen Staveland is an established Alaskan artist creating uniquely beautiful and joyful abstract paintings.  Originally from Minnesota, Karmen drove up the Alaskan Highway the day after she graduated from high school, and still finds daily inspiration in the surrounding mountains and landscape.  She received a BA in Art from the University of Alaska and has been a practicing artist ever since.

For many years Karmen had a successful career as a representational painter, but she always harbored a secret love for abstract art.  In 2020, Karmen made the shift to abstract painting to fully express her faith, emotions, and innermost thoughts.   She paints intuitively, in a free expressive style that incorporates lines, organic shapes, and elements from nature.  Above all, she loves to explore color, and is known for her beautiful color combinations.  She works in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, and collage.  Her paintings have brought joy to collectors all over the world.

In her own words: When I paint abstractly, I simply let my ideas flow out from me, onto the canvas.  It’s risky to let whatever is inside come out, and then show it to the world.  I certainly experience struggles and sadness, so I was initially surprised that so many people said my paintings were joyful.  Then I realized that joy is intrinsic, and I have it inside me.  It can’t help but come out, in the colors I choose and the visual language I’ve created.  If you need some joy to hang on your wall, I invite you to take a closer look.